Vaca Muerta Accelerates Activity and Approaches Annual Fracturing Record

Vaca Muerta recorded 2,395 fracturing stages during September, a growth of 5.88% compared to August. The activity involved eight companies that advanced with the startup of new wells in the Neuquén formation.

In the first nine months of 2026, 22,484 stages were tallied, an 18.4% increase over the same period in 2025. The accumulated total represents approximately 90% of the annual maximum of 25,068 fractures reached last year.

If the pace continues, activity could surpass the 2025 record in November. The indicator also allows anticipating greater productive capacity, given that fracturing stages are linked to the future output of unconventional wells.

YPF Concentrated Half of the Stages

YPF led the monthly record with 1,202 stages, approximately half of the total. Pampa Energía ranked second with 406, followed by Pluspetrol with 216 and Tecpetrol with 201.

The list was completed with 112 stages for Vista Energy and another 112 for Phoenix Global Resources, while Shell performed 77 and Pan American Energy reached 69. September's performance stood out further because activity accelerated again during the third quarter, in contrast with the deceleration typically observed toward the close of each year.